Karnataka Maritime Board proposes to build international cruise and tourism port in Mangaluru

The Karnataka Maritime Board has proposed to construct Mangaluru International Cruise and Tourism Port at Someshwar near Ullal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jayarama Raipura said here on Wednesday.

Speaking at the coastal Karnataka tourism workshop, organised by the Department of Tourism, Mr. Raipura said that a pre-feasibility report has been prepared. Based on recommendations in the report, necessary technical studies will be undertaken shortly for the preparation of a detailed project report which will be done by IIT, Madras.

The project is also being explored for assistance from Sagarmala scheme of the Union government, he said adding that global tender will be invited to take up the project under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Stating that the proposed project will be the first-of-its-kind in India, he said that it will have 18 m draft. “It will be a 100% cruise port and going to be the largest in the country,” the CEO said.

Mr. Raipura said that the port will have railway track connectivity. Many international players have evinced interest to take up the project.

Maritime museum

The CEO said that the board will construct Karnataka Maritime Museum in Mangaluru on 1.5 acres of land near Hoigebazar Light House under the PPP model.

The civil works of the project is estimated to cost ₹6.7 crore. The collation and management will be done by a private party. The museum will also have a restaurant. Once ready, the museum can be kept open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“Establishing a maritime museum in Kudla would enrich the State’s cultural landscape and its coastal heritage,” he said.

Waterdrome projects

Mr. Raipura said that Mangaluru (Netravathi river) is among four locations in Karnataka identified for taking up waterdrome project.

The other three places are Ganesh Gudi (Kali river), Linganamakki (Sharavati river), and Kabini.

“Mangaluru has been identified because there is a possibility of connectivity between Mangaluru and Lakshadweep with Mangaluru being the closest port of call for Lakshadweep. The proposals are in initial stages. Ministry of Civil Aviation has accepted the proposals in-principle. This will be open for private operators,” he said.

Mangaluru water metro project

Mr. Raipura said that the 10th meeting of Karnataka Maritime Board has approved Mangaluru water metro project which is expected to cost ₹180 crore. It is to develop water metro infrastructure at the Gurupura river. It will cater to shore-to-shore transportation, daily commute as well as tourism and regional development.